RE: Respect the Haida@ Mac221 - this was in my view very well stated. Thank you. I just went back in the files to the Haida/ Naikun MOU of 2007, and would like to post a little reminder (highlights only) from 2007 for those inclined to believe that the Gov't of Canada Environmental Assessment leads to a done deal.
Highlighted portions are my emphasis - most notably -
1. Only 1/32 of the output of Naikun required to power the Charlottes - the rest is for public consumption. In other words - from a power consumption perspective - this is a large project, of which they are a small beneficiary
powerwise, a point some of the unconvinced may focus on.
2. The review by the Haida may be to address a myriad of concerns - environmental and non-environmental, and the statement in 2007 by Arnie Bellis, while positive towards the project, does not represent a blanket endorsement.
Note I Am a shareholder - long on this project - and would be happy to see it go forward. However, until the Haida complete their review and are on board, it is irresponsible to assume the last hurdles have been cleared. I hope the Haida are able to have a fruitful dialogue among themselves and with Naikun, and all parties (including those currently opposed to the project) find a way to work together respectfully and ultimately cohesively.
GLTA
HAIDA NATION FORMALIZES SUPPORT FOR OFFSHORE WIND POWER
NaiKun Wind Development Inc., a subsidiary of Vancouver-based NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc., has made aggressive progress since March in the development of its 1,750 MW wind farm proposed for the Hecate Strait off the coast of British Columbia. In addition to securing funding and partnerships designed to move the developer closer to constructing the first 320 MW of the offshore wind farm, NaiKun announced in May a distinctive relationship between NaiKun and the Haida Nation, a Canadian First Nation band.
The MOU established a framework under which the developer and the Haida Nation will cooperate during the first phase of the offshore wind farm’s development.
NaiKun and the Haida Nation followed up the news of their cooperative agreement with an announcement that they had entered a second MOU to establish HaidaLink – an interconnection between Haida Gwaii and British Columbia’s energy grid that would deliver wind power to the islands. As the majority owner of the HaidaLink, the Haida Nation would finance construction of the interconnection.
Haida Gwaii would not require more than 10 MW from the offshore wind farm. explains Ray Castelli, president and chief executive officer of NaiKun Wind Development. “BC Hydro already serves Haida Gwaii,” he adds, “so output from the wind farm would be sold to BC Hydro, and part of that output would go to the islands.”
“Provided this project meets our conditions,” cautions Arnie Bellis, vice president of the Council of Haida Nation, “we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with NaiKun.” The project, which is scheduled for initial construction in 2009, already is under environmental review as required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act and must undergo a thorough review by the Haida Nation.